Financial Result

CBL International gross profit down 32.2% on year for 1H 2024

Decline primarily driven by reduction in premium sold to customers; leading to lower gross profit per tonne even though there was an increase in volume sold, says CBL.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 13, 2024

Admin

CBL International Limited (CBL), the listing vehicle of Banle Group (Banle), a marine fuel logistic company in the Asia-Pacific region, on Thursday (12 September) announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended 30 June.

CBL said its gross profit for the period was approximately USD 2.72 million, a decrease of 32.2% compared to USD 4.01 million for 1H 2023.

The firm said the decline was primarily driven by the reduction in premium sold to customers and led to lower gross profit per tonne, which was partially offset by an increase in volume sold.

CBL also reported its Consolidated revenue for 1H 2024 increased by 44.4% to approximately USD 277.23 million, compared to USD 191.96 million in the same period in 2023.

“This significant growth was driven by a 39.4% year-over-year increase in sales volume, attributed to the expansion of the Company's global supply network and higher marine fuel demand due to geopolitical factors,” it said.

The company announced the pricing of its initial public offering on Nasdaq Capital Market on 22 March last year.

“We are pleased with the robust growth in our revenue and sales volume during the first half of 2024, despite the challenging market conditions. Our strategic initiatives, including the expansion of our service network and our focus on sustainable fuel solutions, have positioned us well to navigate these challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities,” said Teck Lim Chia, Chairman & CEO of Banle Group.

“While the current market environment has pressured our margins, we remain confident in our long-term strategy and our ability to deliver value to our shareholders.”

Other Financial Highlights:

Operating Expenses: Operating expenses rose by 64.0% to approximately USD 4.12 million, up from USD 2.51 million in 1H 2023. This increase was attributed to higher selling and distribution expenses related to our sales growth, strategic expansion in the Company's supply network to new geographic areas, and the development of our biofuel operations.
Net Income: The company reported a net loss of approximately USD 1.62 million, compared to a net income of USD 1.15 million in 1H 2023. The loss was driven by lower gross margin and higher operating costs.
Cash Flow: Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately USD 2.30 million, a significant improvement from a cash outflow of USD 7.24 million in 1H 2023, reflecting better management of working capital.
Cash position: As of June 30, 2024, Banle's consolidated cash balance increased by approximately USD 2.29 million, or 30.9%, to USD 9.69 million, compared to USD 7.40 million as of December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily driven by improved working capital management. The Company also reported a significant increase in accounts receivable and accounts payable balances, reflecting the growth in its sales activities.

Operational Highlights:

Global Network Expansion: As of June 30, 2024, Banle expanded its global service network from 36 ports at our IPO in March 2023 to over 60 ports across Asia, Europe and Africa. This strategic expansion has enabled the Company to secure new bunkering business opportunities, particularly in European markets where environmental regulations are increasingly stringent. The opening of the Company's new office in Ireland in late 2023 has bolstered our market coverage and enhanced local sourcing capabilities. Notably, the Company completed inaugural bunkering services through a local physical supplier in Mauritius in May 2024, further strengthening our market presence.
Biofuel Initiatives: Banle continued its commitment to sustainability by expanding its B24 biofuel operations, obtaining ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications in 2023. The Company successfully commenced biofuel bunkering services through local physical suppliers in Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia, positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable fuel solutions. The B24 biofuel blend, which includes 24% UCOME (used cooking oil methyl ester), offers a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional marine fuels, aligning with global decarbonisation efforts.
Response to Macroeconomic Environment: The global economy has shown signs of moderate growth in 2024, with emerging markets, particularly in Asia, driving this recovery. However, the shipping industry continues to face challenges such as fluctuating freight rates, port congestion, and disruptions in major trade routes due to the ongoing Red Sea Crisis. Banle has proactively adapted to these conditions, coordinating increased fuel supplies in Asian ports to meet heightened demand, ensuring that our customers' needs are met despite logistical challenges.

Looking ahead, Banle said it remains focused on expanding its market presence, particularly in the biofuel sector, and continuing to enhance its global supply network.

Photo credit: Essow on Pexels
Published: 13 September, 2024

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Business

World Kinect marine fuels segment gross profit down 12.6% on year for Q2 2024

Marine segment generated gross profit of USD 36.7 million in Q2 2024, down 12.6% on year from USD 42 million in Q2 2023, principally due to reduced market volatility year-over-year.

Published

2 months ago

July 26, 2024

Admin

New York-listed global energy management company World Kinect Corporation on Thursday (25 July) recorded a 262% on year increase in net income for the second quarter (Q2) of 2024.

The company posted net income of USD 108.3 million in Q2 2024, higher than net income of USD 29.9 million seen during Q2 2023.

Revenue for its combined aviation, land and marine segments in Q2 2024 was USD 10.97 billion, a 0.09% decrease from revenue of USD 10.98 billion in Q2 2023.

Specifically, the marine segment generated gross profit of USD 36.7 million in Q2 2024, down 12.6% on year from USD 42 million in Q2 2023, principally due to reduced market volatility year-over-year.

In total, WFS sold 4.2 million metric tonnes (mt) of bunker fuel during Q2 2024, marking no changes from 4.2 million mt of marine fuels during the similar period of last year.

“Moving on to Marine; while volumes were essentially flat year-over-year, gross profit decreased about 13% driven principally by lower market volatility than experienced in the prior year period,” Ira Birns, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said in a recent earnings call as quoted by Seeking Alpha.

“While we anticipated a sequential margin decline heading into the second quarter, the actual decline was a bit more than it had been anticipated.”

“As Mike (Michael Kasbar - Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) mentioned earlier, while Marine profitability is down from the highs of 2022, it remains an extremely efficient capital model and allows for strong returns and contributions to cash flow each quarter.”

“As we look to the third quarter, we expect Marine gross profit to be effectively flat when compared to the third quarter of 2023 as year-over-year volatility comparisons finally seem to be normalizing. To help better frame our comments, unexpected year-over-year gross profit performance, segment-by-segment we have decided to begin providing color on consolidated gross profit for the third quarter and going forward.”

Birns added the company expects consolidated gross profit to be in the range of USD 265 million to USD 274 million in the third quarter.

Photo credit: World Kinect Corporation
Published: 26 July 2024

Bunker Fuel

Island Oil records USD 29.0 million net profit in FY 2023, second-best year in 30-year history

Total comprehensive income for FY 2023 was USD 32.5 million, down 25% from USD 43.2 million in FY 2022, showed financial figures.

Published

2 months ago

July 23, 2024

Admin

Island Oil and Island Petroleum receive ISCC EU certification for bio bunker fuels

Editor’s note: Manifold Times on Tuesday (16 July) released a report detailing financial figures of Island Oil Holdings calculated under guidelines from international ESG reporting standards that also assesses the cost of non-financial items such as emissions, social contributions, etc.

The report has been updated on Friday (19 July) with figures based on the entity’s actual financial results calculated using standard accounting practices.

Cyprus-based Island Oil (Holdings) Limited, which principal activities include marine fuel trading and physical bunkering operations, recorded its second-best year in its 30-year history for the financial year ended 31 December 2023.

The group posted net profit of USD 29.0 million in FY 2023, a 29% decrease over net profit of USD 41.0 million in FY 2022.

Total comprehensive income for FY 2023 was USD 32.5 million, down 25% from USD 43.2 million in FY 2022.

Revenue was USD 1.40 billion in FY 2023, 23% lower from revenue of USD 1.82 billion in FY 2022.

“The Group’s development to date, financial results and position as presented in the consolidated financial statements, are considered satisfactory,” stated Chrysostomos S. Papavassiliou, Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“The bunkering industry has become very competitive, and the Group has developed its pricing policy accordingly in an effort to further penetrate the market.”

Papavassiliou acknowledged an imperative for sustainable practices in the industry and noted the Group is poised to implement an ESG and decarbonisation strategy.

“This ambitious initiative aligns with our dedication to environmental stewardship and underscores our role in contributing to a low-carbon future. We are also committed to environmental responsibility in our operations, aiming to enhance our energy efficiency and decrease our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions,” he shared.

“The Group recognises the maritime industry’s ongoing transition to alternative fuels, driven by international and EU regulations, including the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Proactively responding to this shift, the Group has obtained in 2023 the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU) as recognised biofuel traders, enabling the Group to engage in the trading of marine biofuels.”

In 2023, two subsidiary companies of the Group obtained the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC EU), as recognised Traders of biofuels. In particular, Island Oil Limited, the Group’s marine fuels trading arm, has attained certification as Trader of biofuels.

Additionally, Island Petroleum Limited, which offers physical supply of marine fuels, has achieved the same certification, as Trader with Storage of biofuels.

The Group is also involved in two projects funded by its Research and Innovation Fund including a pilot initiative on using biomethane as a drop-in marine biofuel.

“This pilot initiative aims to demonstrate an up to 80% reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions using BioMethane as a marine biofuel. Leveraging innovative technologies, the team has established a virtual gas grid with a mobile biogas Upgrading, Storage, and Refueling Unit (USRU),” the company said in the report.

“Successful evaluation would lead to scaling up the model, integrating local biogas production, BioMethane upgrading, and utilisation in PetroNav Ship Management’s fleet,” it said. PetroNav Ship Management is one of the Group’s subsidiaries.

Photo credit: Island Oil
Published: 23 July 2024

Bunker Fuel

Dan-Bunkering achieves strong EBT of USD 47 million for FY 2023/2024

‘In a year characterised by geopolitical tensions and shifting demands across shipping segments, we are immensely proud of the results we have achieved,’ says Claus Bulch Klausen, CEO of Dan-Bunkering.

Published

3 months ago

July 10, 2024

Admin

Dan-Bunkering on Tuesday (9 July) announced its 2023/2024 financial result with an EBT of USD 47 million, up from USD 46 million last financial year.

Revenue reached USD 3.8 billion, which is Dan-Bunkering’s second highest revenue over the past five-year period, and with this year’s result Dan-Bunkering continues to build on strong financial performances of the past fiscal year.

“In a year characterised by geopolitical tensions and shifting demands across shipping segments, we are immensely proud of the results we have achieved. They are a testament to the great work from the teams around the world in navigating these challenges,” said Claus Bulch Klausen, CEO of Dan-Bunkering.

“The past financial year saw an increased focus on the transition towards decarbonisation. We have put increased effort into assisting our clients and suppliers in adapting to the recently implemented environmental regulations, such as the EU ETS scheme, and demands within for instance the alternative fuels space.”

“We are therefore investing time and resources to assist our partners with finding the best way forward.”

In May 2023, Dan-Bunkering launched an ambitious strategy "Ride the Next Wave" and since its launch, Dan-Bunkering’s main focus has been on integrating and promoting this strategy and its core purpose: pioneering the next wave of fuel solutions.

Dan-Bunkering has invested in educating its employees on topics surrounding the transition towards decarbonisation and is constantly developing new initiatives creating added value for its business partners.

“At Dan-Bunkering, we have always embraced the pioneering spirit. Therefore, Ride The Next Wave which was partly initiated by changing dynamics within the maritime industry, customer demands, and an increasing emphasis on decarbonisation, is a journey that our employees have been eager to join. So far, the strategy has resulted in a pipeline of several initiatives, engaging the entire organisation,” said Claus Bulch Klausen.

Dan-Bunkering’s Annual Report will be submitted to the Danish Business Authority later in July, once it has been finally approved by the boards and shareholders.

Photo credit: Dan-Bunkering
Published: 10 July, 2024